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Kerala Hijab Row: Minister Warns Schools Over Student Rights Violations

Kerala's Education Minister has taken a firm stand on the ongoing hijab controversy in schools. He confirmed that denying a student classroom entry over uniform issues was unconstitutional. The government has directed schools to design appropriate headscarves that match their uniforms. Minister Sivankutty warned that strict action will follow if these guidelines aren't implemented.

Key Points: Kerala Education Minister Sivankutty Hijab School Uniform Directive

  • Minister confirms school violated constitutional rights by denying classroom entry
  • Government issues directives for uniform-compliant headscarf design
  • Strict action threatened if schools fail to follow guidelines
  • Deputy Director's report found school management committed serious mistake
  • Minister warns against communal divisions over uniform controversies
2 min read

Kerala School Hijab row: Child's rights cannot be denied, says State education minister

Kerala Education Minister intervenes in hijab controversy, directs schools to design uniform-compliant headscarves while protecting children's constitutional rights.

"The child's rights cannot be denied. - V Sivankutty"

Thiruvananthapuram, October 15

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Wednesday addressed the ongoing controversy over students wearing hijabs in schools, stressing that the matter should be resolved amicably at the school level while upholding children's constitutional rights.

Speaking on the issue, Sivankutty said, "There was an issue at St. Rita's School in Ernakulam regarding students' uniforms, and a child was not allowed to enter the classroom. The action taken by the school authorities was unconstitutional. The Deputy Director of Ernakulam was assigned to investigate the incident. The Deputy Director's report stated that the school management had committed a serious mistake. Based on this, the government has issued certain directives. The child's rights cannot be denied."

He further said that the school management must design an appropriate headscarf that matches the uniform to resolve the issue. "If these instructions are not followed, the government will take strict action. This is Kerala."

State Education Minister said that certain groups are trying to create communal divisions over such incidents. "The government's stand is clear, we will proceed strictly in accordance with the rights enshrined in the Constitution and relevant court rulings. If a consensus has been reached at the school level, that is a welcome development."

Earlier on Tuesday, reacting to reports of a Catholic school being shut for two days due to the controversy, Sivankutty reiterated that school management must design an appropriate headscarf that matches the uniform to resolve the issue.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support individual rights, schools should have some autonomy in setting uniform rules. A balanced approach is needed where religious sentiments and discipline both are respected.
A
Ananya R
As a parent, I appreciate this stand. Education should be inclusive. Designing a uniform-compatible hijab seems like a practical solution that maintains both religious freedom and school discipline.
S
Sarah B
Kerala always shows the way in progressive thinking! This is how secularism should work in practice - respecting diversity while maintaining educational standards.
V
Vikram M
The minister's statement is welcome, but I hope this doesn't become a political tool. Education should remain above politics and religious divisions. Let's focus on children's learning.
K
Karthik V
Good decision! In a diverse country like India, we need to accommodate different cultural and religious practices. Denying classroom entry was absolutely wrong. Education first! 📚

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